Cooking tofu on the porch in an electric skillet

Herman Sutter

July 28, 2024

after marinating it

overnight in a bath

of soy sauce, maple 

syrup, garlic, chili

powder, ginger, and rice-

wine vinegar,

I sit here in the damp heat

delicately turning each soft slice

ginger and garlic sizzling into the air

trying carefully to singe the edges

turning each slice with care

to see that it burns only enough

just the way you like

because after 2 weeks of radiation

singeing the inside of your stomach

with such delicate care 

it is all you ask for

though the smell 

of cooking makes you sick

When I come inside

plate of browned 

dominos (we used to call them) still hot

(just the way you like)

with delicate care you will 

take one and smile

(and that will be too much)

And even as you push the plate away 

you will thank me for 

them 

all

Herman Sutter (award-winning poet/essayist) is the author of Stations (Wiseblood Books), and The World Before Grace (Wings Press), and “The Sorrowful Mystery of Racism,” St. Anthony Messenger. His work appears in: The Perch (Yale University), The Langdon Review, Benedict XVI Institute, Touchstone, i.e., The Merton Journal, as well as: Texas Poetry Calendar (2021) & By the Light of a Neon Moon (Madville Press, 2019). He received the 2021 Best Essay award from the CMA. His recent manuscript A Theology of Need was long listed for the Sexton prize.